Choosing a Children’s Chewable Multivitamin

Please note that the following are personal notes from my readings. None of it should be viewed as medical advice. Please always consult with your physicians to determine what decisions are best for you and your family.

Look for one without vitamin A — vitamin A intake leads to calcium loss in the urine and osteoporosis. We make all the vitamin A we need from the carotenes found in fruits and vegetables.

A children’s supplement should not have more than 2,500 IU of beta-carotene, but even less is better. It is best to receive carotenes from food, not supplements. Studies looking at beta-carotene supplementation show a higher rate of both cancer and heart disease in those supplemented with a high dose of beta-carotene.

It should contain the full spectrum of minerals.

It should be free of artificial colors, flavors, and artificial sweeteners.

It must taste acceptable to your children, as it does no good if your child refuses to take it.